Medium Term Philippine Development Plan
Economic plans of the Philippines are embodied in the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP). The Plan has always contained references to the service sector, which traditionally has been identified mainly as retail and wholesale trade; communications, and transportation. Details of the MTPDP 2004-2010 can be read from the website of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA). A good summary of the highlights of the MTPDP is NEDA Secretary Romulo Neri’s presentation. Note that the whole service sector is expected to generate the most number of jobs, which is a net job creation of 59.5 percent of total jobs created by the year 2010.


Priority Industries
The unprecedented boom in the infrastructure for communications after the liberalization or "de-monopolization" of the telecommunications industry in the late 90’s has led to the rise of new business opportunities and activities. Having this as a successful model has given impetus to the government to also liberalize other economic areas, most importantly in banking and finance and power generation and distribution.

The improved infrastructure and competition in the telecommunications sector has given opportunities to ICT-enabled services to be a major growth industry. Government has responded with the industry promotion efforts detailed here and here. Trade promotion is also ongoing, with the annual Philippine e-Services Exhibit and Conference scheduled in the month of February.